No Reservations

Where the wait is half the fun!

Author

Jack
July 11, 2023

Between mom and pop shops that can’t be bothered to set up a website and the cool new kids on the block, it seems like the hottest restaurants are opting to go reservation free. If you’re the type of person who can make the experience of waiting for your table as much fun as the meal itself, you’re in good company here. If not, you’re about to learn. Dig in:

🍕 The Laundromat / thelaundromatsf.com

Just look at those crispy edges // image credit: me

Sometimes you’ll take a bite of something that completes changes your perspective on the possibilities of life - pizza at The Laundromat is one of those things. While SF is no stranger to a mean square pie, there’s true perfection to be found in every individual component. They also allegedly have SF’s best bagels which unfortunately aren’t sold as an after dinner doggy bag.

While you wait you can hang around and shop for shockingly cool merch or head down the block for a longneck at Hockey Haven.

Order This ⬇️

  • Pepperoni

  • Mushroom

  • Meatball

  • Don’t skimp on the house-made ranch and honey

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Takeout | Map

NOTE: thanks to Margot for getting this on my radar and Jeremy for getting us all the way out to Outer Richmond

🥩 Han Il Kwan

Full spread // image credit: Thyra

Korean barbecue is the single most fun dinner slash activity for big groups, yet our options in the city are extremely limited. Fear not, because Han Il Kwan dishes up legit tofu soup, rice cakes, and seafood pancake alongside standard KBBQ favorites.

While you wait, they’re happy to let you mingle inside and have a drink (beer or soju only), or you can brown bag it outside if you prefer the fresh air. Just don’t wander too far because you’ll be very sad if you miss them calling your name.

Order This ⬇️

  • Galbi

  • Maeun-bulgogi

  • Chadolbagi

  • Sundubu-jjigae

  • Tteobokki

  • Japchae

  • Seafood pancake

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Takeout & Delivery: N/A | Map

NOTE: thanks to JJ for the continued perfect recommendation streak. But as much as I hate to say it, you can skip the pork belly (although if you know a place that does it well, we should talk)

🥟 Dumpling Story

Pork XLB // image credit: me

This newsletter is quickly becoming a shrine to the Dumpling Home team and I’m not sorry about it. Sister restaurant Dumpling Story just opened up on Fillmore, and while it may be helpful in alleviating the unavoidable hour-plus wait at the original, it won’t be long before people catch on.

The good news here is that you can wait it out at The Snug, Palmers, or one of the many bars that Fillmore has to offer - Yelp waitlist ftw.

Order This ⬇️

  • Fresh cucumber

  • Pork xiao long bao (XLB)

  • Spicy XLB

  • Pork dumpling with sesame sauce & red chili oil

  • Green onion pancake

  • Dan dan noodles

  • Ginger and green onion noodles

  • Dry fried string beans

Eat Here 🔗 Reservations: N/A | Delivery & Takeout: N/A | Map

NOTE: if your instincts are telling you to skip everything else and only order XLB, follow them